Kathy Gittins

'11 INCREDIBLE YEARS'

Can it really be 11 yrs ago that Kathy Gittins launched her first collection of original watercolors, limited edition prints and greetings cards, featuring her trademark still-life of Gaudy Welsh and blue and white china? Since then, her journey has taken this single mother of four from that first exhibition at The Walls in Oswestry, through the excitement and drama of developing Corner House Gallery in Meifod and of creating a world wide reputation (Japan are particularly keen!) as an established artist publishing her own work bilingually, to the outstanding success of her gallery, Oriel Kathy Gittins, in Pwllheli. Fans of Kathy's work are also able to meet her in person annually at the Royal Welsh Show (Glamorgan Hall), National Eisteddfod of Wales (Exhibition Hall) and the Royal Welsh Winter Fair (Montgomery Hall)

Kathy was born in Pontrobert, Mid Wales in 1960 and spent a happy childhood growing up on the family farm. After winning a national art competition in 1975, Kathy had the confidence to embark on a career in Art and Design, graduating in Illustration at Leeds Polytechnic in 1981

Kathy, a mother of four children, returned to her profession after the painful breakdown of her marriage, working full-time as an Artist/Publisher and gallery owner. She specializes in vibrant watercolors, drawing inspiration from her home and the homes of her family and friends. Her bold use of colours, attention to detail and talent for interpreting the patterns of light and shade have combined to create popular originals which are sought after by private collectors at home and abroad. Kathy has been approached by many leading publishing houses but prefers to maintain control by producing her own greetings cards and fine art prints. Kathy feels that she owes a deep debt

of gratitude to her Welsh roots and that she is incredibly privileged to be able to contribute to the burgeoning Welsh language culture. She was not brought up as a first language welsh speaker, but her determination and passion for all things Welsh has led her to become confidant and fluent - you can often hear her being interviewed in Welsh language radio and television, where her enthusiasm is infectious.

This spirit carries over to her gallery in Pwllheli where Kathy has created an enchanting atmosphere, with the kettle always on the boil! Relax and experience the unique and eclectic mix of individual pieces of contemporary jewellery by continental designers, exhibitions of ceramics and other art works by visiting artists and a tremendously successful avant-garde collection of designer clothing and accessories in natural fibers and an earthy palette. Oh yes, and Kathy's latest works are also on display.

Kathy is now based in Pwllheli full-time, another of Wales’ farming heartlands and an area that has had a very special place in her heart since she visited as a very young mother – the first of many happy summers on the Lleyn Peninsula with her growing family. But although her work and reputation has earned her a world-wide fan base Kathy maintains that her main achievement, without a doubt, has been raising four wonderful children.